Summer 2024 Newsletter • VOLUME 75
Summer 2024 Newsletter • VOLUME 75
A Classic Showcase restoration.
We started the XKE’s restoration process by first evaluating,
inspecting, and photographing the car in its entirety. We then
disassembled it, stripped it to bare metal, placed it on a rotisserie, metal finished, leaded, fit all body parts and
chrome to the car, prepared with primer then sealer, base, and clear coat. Then
we finally color sanded and buffed it to a beautiful Opalescent Silver Grey
finish that you see on the XKE’s body today. Most of the E-Type’s
mechanical systems and components were rebuilt, serviced, restored or
replaced as needed, including the engine and transmission, as well as
the rear end and suspension. In addition, the engine block was hot
tanked, line bored, and magnafluxed - which included all machining and
calibration along with new pistons, rings, bearings, new fuel and water
pump and machining the crank. Also installed were new valves, guides,
seals, timing chain, a completely rebuilt head, restoring and rebuilding
of the SU carburetors, a new clutch system, fly wheel machining, new
hydraulic system, new u joints installed and balancing of the drive
shaft, new shocks throughout, and a rebuilt fuel pump.
All other systems
such as the electrical, hydraulic, cooling and fuel systems have been restored or replaced where needed, and the car has received a new
wire harness, rebuilt power brake booster, rubber, and grommets. All
electrical components have been gone through, which includes the gauges,
knobs, and switches - all of which have been restored, rescreened, or
replaced as needed. The car also received a new exhaust system, and a
new battery. The gas tank has been hot tanked, painted, and epoxy
sealed, and a new stock radiator was installed. All bright work has
been re-plated, and a new windshield was fitted and installed in
our assembly area. Our master trimmer in our upholstery department
created and installed a complete new custom tailored and fit interior in
the correct materials, which included a full restoration of the car’s
seats, frames, top bows, and convertible top.
(tap or click on an image to view a larger version)
view a brief walk-around tour of the roadster...
(tap or click on an image to view a larger version)
Launched in 1961 at the international motor show in Geneva, the XKE echoed the sensation of the XK-120, perhaps even more. An astonishing performance package, with amazing speed and handling, the XKE’s brand-new 4-wheel independent suspension system was so well conceived, it was used by Jaguar for over thirty years. The Series 1 4.2 is a very user friendly, sporty driver, and one of the most collectable of the E-Types. These are wonderful cars with a 4.2-liter engine with 3 SU carburetors and a fully synchronized transmission. Some of the features of this model are covered headlights, toggle switches, full instrumentation with styling, and a design that was way ahead of its time with center console and arm rests. Other features of this Series 1 are its steep windshield and tail lights, which are placed above the bumper line in the rear deck. Similarly, the parking lights are above the front bumper line in the front fenders. In 1964 when the 4.2 was tested, fuel consumption was rated road reported at 22 MPG and a top speed of 140 MPH.